ESBFL – Round Up to Saturday 07th March 2020 by John Campany
Essex & Suffolk Border League Round Up 7th March 2020.
Earls Colne FC sensationally beat the holders Gas Recreation FC at Bromley Road to reach Final of the League Knock – Out Cup.
A first half goal from Jack Charnock saw Chris Hudson’s side shock ‘Gas’ with a tremendous second half resilient display that the home side failed to breach. It is 37 years since Earls Colne FC last reached the final of the prestigious competition when they beat Parkeston Railway FC.
It was a memorable day for the winners who not only missed a penalty, but keeper Toby Phillips saved a last-minute spot kick to secure their final place.
The result was a fitting tribute to Earls Colne FC’s late Chairman Roger Bragg who died this year, a man who loved the club and put in so much work over so many years.
For their part, ‘Gas’, were magnanimous in defeat confirming that ‘Colne’ ‘thoroughly deserved’ their success.
In the Premier Division Stanway Pegasus FC extended their lead by 13 points over their nearest challengers Great Bentley FC with a 7-2 win over Tiptree Engaine and with four games remaining must now be considered firm favourites to dethrone present champions Gas Recreation FC.
Great Bentley FC’s chance of a first championship success was dealt a major blow in the defeat at School Lane going down 3-1 to Lawford Lads FC. However, if they are unable to take advantage of their games in hand, they should at least secure the runners up spot.
Third place Flitch United FC beat fourth place Tiptree Heath FC at Tolleshunt Knights Village Hall 2-1, with goals from Michael Morgan and Billy Sykes whilst Joe Chester replied for the hosts.
West Bergholt FC have moved into 7th place comfortably seeing off Brantham Athletic FC Reserves 5-0 at the Lorkin Daniel Field to consign ‘Athletic’ to relegation. Joe Harrington found the net twice whilst Lee Townrow and Luke Bloomfield completed the scoring.
White Notley FC’s impressive form continued with a fine win over a disappointing visiting Alresford Colne Rangers FC 4-1. It has been a remarkable change of fortune for ‘Notley’ over the past few weeks who have now climbed out of the lower reaches into 12th place. Peter Falco hit two and Callum Knightbridge and Robbie Bennett finished off the home scoring.
In Division One leaders Sudbury Sports FC beat visiting Belle Vue Social 7-1 in mid week at the Mel Group Stadium, to open up a four-point lead over nearest rivals Colne Athletic FC, whose match at Wormingford was one of five divisional postponements. Shane Temple struck a hat trick for the free scoring Sudbury side and Jake Banyard scored a brace. Alfie Adams and Joshua Ambrose each scored one to complete the rout.
Alresford Colne Rangers FC miserable day was complete when Boxted Lodgers FC visited Ford Lane and returned thrashing Rangers Reserves by six without reply.
In Division Two there was no league action for the top two enabling Tavern FC to take advantage winning 4-1 away to Tiptree Heath FC Reserves to close in on Hedinghams United FC and Shrub End United FC. Tavern FC are four points behind the leaders with two games in hand.
In the remaining domestic cups West Bergholt FC and Lawford Lads FC each progressed in the Reserve KO Cup. ‘Bergholt’ won at Dedham Old Boys 2-1 with goals from John England and Daniel Wheeler.
Lawford Lads beat Stanway Rovers FC Reserves 4-2.
In the Tommy Thompson Cup, Harwich Rangers FC solitary goal was sufficient to beat Hedinghams United FC, and Cavendish FC exited the Suffolk Primary Cup 4-2 away to Ipswich Exiles Youth FC.
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